2012 NEWS ARCHIVE
Right to Buy discount extended
March 2012
The government has confirmed the extension of the right to buy discount to up to £75,000 for social housing tenants.
People who have lived in a council house for five years, could receive a 35 per cent discount, with an extra one per cent for each added year up to the maximum of £75,000.
NewBuy Scheme launched
March 2012
The launch of this new government initiative will mean that both existing and first time buyers will be eligible to use a 95 per cent mortgage to purchase a new home.
The builders and the government will be the co guarantors of the scheme which is supported at the moment by Barclays, Nat West & Nationwide.
Stamp duty concession to end soon
March 2012
Unless the government decides to extend it – the concession which applies to first time buyers on Stamp Duty Land Tax will cease on the 24th of March.
It remains to be seen whether this will be extended to keep some momentum behind the housing sector, this does seem unlikely – but we all live in [...]
Increased qualifying period for Unfair Dismissal
March 2012
Subject to parliamentary approval the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will increase from one to two years. This is expected to come into force on the 6th of April 2012.
It will also increase the qualifying for entitlement to written reasons for dismissal, also from one year to two years.
The changes will not affect those employees [...]
Clarke announces delays to reforms
February 2012
The government has postponed the implementation of its legal aid reforms by six months.
In a written ministerial statement today, justice secretary Kenneth Clarke said the government will push back a consultation on crime tendering from late-2011 until autumn 2013, taking account of changes such as the advent of alternative business structures, [...]
Find a Buyer Quickly
January 2012
This is an extract of Graham Ireland’s response to a question in his regular Telegraph column.
The most important factor is price – start at a realistic level – remember its a buyer’s market – so ask for plenty of professional advice and ask for supporting evidence in support.
Make the property attractive – most buyers have [...]